Chapter 31


A few weeks later…

 

Leah bit her bottom lip as she watched April’s reaction to her finished wedding dress. Like all her designs, she poured her sweat and tears into her work, and thanks to her help from Amber, they completed the dress in record time.

“Well…” Leah wrung her hands together. Biting at her lips, her eyes followed April as she circled the mannequin. She finished her second cup of coffee after pulling an all-nighter two days in a row.

She could only smile since Cole called a few times to help her stay awake, but once midnight struck, he fell asleep on her. Yet, she loved his efforts. She couldn’t wait to see him later.

“I love it, Leah!” April clapped her hands. “It’s the most gorgeous dress I’ve ever seen.”

“I told you not to worry,” Amber said, winking at her best friend.

April eyed her friend, but her wide grin gave her away.

Leah blew out her cheeks. “Thank goodness. For a second, I thought you would tell me something different.”

“It’s perfect.” April inched closer and ran her fingers down the bodice. “I love the beading. It was one thing to see it in the drawing, but in person, it’s incredible.” She pulled Leah into a hug. “I’ve got to try it on.”

“Of course.” Leah carefully undid the buttons in the back. Motioning Amber over, they both carefully removed the dress from the mannequin, and then Amber accompanied her best friend to the dressing room.

Leah stood with her hands on her hips. Though not as crowded as before when her photos hit the web, she kept a fair crowd every day, with new faces popping inside now and then. Next, a familiar scent hit her nose. She pivoted towards her front door to spot the love of her life. Cole carried in his hand a brown paper bag. “You smelled them, didn’t you?”

She hurried to his side for a hug, careful not to crush the bag. “I’m happy to see you too.” She kissed his lips.

“Yeah sure,” he teased in between soft pecks to her lips. “I’m only good for these chocolate muffins.”

“I can buy them myself, you know.”

“I know, but I enjoy seeing you smile when I bring them.” He planted another kiss to her mouth before handing over her treat for the day. “Consider this my way of apologizing for falling asleep on you last night.”

She clutched the bag. “Don’t worry about it. You had a long day too.”

“Are we still on for tonight? I finally unpacked the last box at my new place.” Cole’s eyes shined. While he never complained about living with his brother, he’d recently found a place of his own.

“You’re cooking for me?” Leah asked.

“Yes, it’s all set. All I want you to do is enjoy yourself.”

“I can’t help a little?” She puckered out her bottom lip.

His mouth twitched into a grin. “Fine, I’ll find something for you to help with.” He kissed her cheek. “I think you’re using me as a pushover.”

She touched a hand to her chest. “I would never.” She inched closer. “Besides, I love you.”

He ran his forefinger along her jawline. “I love you too. I’ll see you tonight.” He planted one last kiss to her lips, and then he exited the building.

Leah stood in place for a moment. Would it always be this way between her and Cole? She blinked as she inhaled deeply to get her bearings.

****

Cole rubbed his hands together as his doorbell rang. He already finished the smothered steaks, and his mashed potatoes he seasoned to perfection. He hurried to the door to find Leah holding Chip in her arms.

“You brought our guest,” he said.

She entered the living room and set Chip down on the hardwood floors. Her eyes widened at the space. “Cole…”

His home was a mixture of traditional and modern design. A TV mounted the wall and end tables held lamps and coasters, compliments of his mother. Cole followed behind her as she admired his new place. A brick fireplace with a mantel, an area rug on the mahogany floor, and his own pictures decorated the walls.

Curtains framed his windows, while built-in bookshelves held a few of his classic reads. Next Leah explored the kitchen which didn’t need much updating. A hanging rack with pots and pans dangled from the ceiling and tiled flooring stressed the stainless-steel appliances.

“What do you think?” he asked.

She beamed as they made eye contact. “I love it. It suits you.”

He inched closer. “Did I give you a proper hello?”

A low pleasant hum slipped from her lips. “What do you mean by proper?”

He bracketed her waist in his arms. “Well, people usually say ‘Hi, how are you?’”

“No, you didn’t say that.” Leah stood on her tiptoes and wrapped her arms around his neck. “I guess something distracted you.”

“But see it goes deeper if the person is your significant other.”

“How so?” She licked her lips.

“Well, a proper greeting for a person in that category would be a hug or…”

“Or what?”

He brought their mouths within the same breathing space. “Guess.” Then he covered her lips with his. He listened as she sighed and only cradled her closer. When he pulled away, he pressed his forehead against hers.

“I guess you didn’t give me a proper greeting,” she said.

“Should I try again?”

“I think so.”

He kissed her again, but Chip’s barks disturbed them. The couple smiled against each other’s lips.